On April 16 through 19 training to use non-lethal weapons in riot control was held at the Lithuanian Land Force Juozas Lukša Training Centre (LF JLTC). The exercise was conducted by U.S. instructors to military personnel of the divisions of the Lithuanian Land Force and officers of the Public Security Service under the Ministry of the Interior.
The exercise trained soldiers and officers an array of actions to apprehend and control struggling persons, various formations and modes of movement when using riot control equipment. The trained personnel had to test the effect of teargas and electroshock (TAZER) on a human body themselves. The exercise participants affected by teargas had to get their act together and complete a set of tasks to meet the requirements.
The main part of the exercise concerned practical drills where the U.S. instructors trained the soldiers and officers to apply actions and elements of special tactics acting in a division and to use non-lethal weapons and special measures. The trainees were also learnt to command units in consideration of the tactical situation and to make appropriate decisions when using elements of special tactics.
The exercise involved personnel from the Mechanised Infantry Brigade Iron Wolf, National Defence Volunteer Force, Mindaugas and Birutė Battalions and the Lithuanian Land Force Juozas Lukša Training Centre and officers of the Public Security Service under the Ministry of the Interior.
Press release and photo by Capt Tomas Ilonis
